Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic

Minnesota v. Steelers: The Weekly Matchup

2009-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

If the numbers never lie then this game is going to be very close ~ for all the hype the Vikings defense is getting their numbers are fairly pedestrian. But there is no denying that the Minnesota offense if operating at a highly effective level.

Also worth noting is the ineffectiveness of the Steelers' punt return unit. For all the excitement that Stefan Logan generated during the summer it does not appear to have translated into much since the regular season began.

Minnesota Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Minnesota offense 14th (348.2) v. Steelers defense 3rd (275.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Minnesota offense 9th (125.0) v. Steelers defense 2nd (74.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Minnesota offense 13th (223.2) v. Steelers defense 12th (200.7)

Average points per game: Minnesota offense 2nd (31.5) v. Steelers defense 11th (18.67)

Steelers Offense v. Minnesota Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 5th (403.7) v. Minnesota defense 18th (341.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 15th (107.0) v. Minnesota defense 9th (93.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 2nd (296.7) v. Minnesota defense 24th (248.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 14th (23.33) v. Minnesota defense 18th (20.17)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Minnesota 4th (13.1) v. Steelers 22nd (6.4)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Minnesota 13th (7.8) v. Steelers 11th (7.7)

Average yards per kick return: Minnesota 5th (25.9) v. Steelers 7th (25.1)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Minnesota 9th (21.3) v. Steelers 16th (22.9)

Net yardage punting average: Minnesota 15th (38.2) v. Steelers 9th (40.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Minnesota 10th (37.1) v. Steelers 27th (40.6)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Minnesota 3rd (+8) v. Steelers 14th (-4)

Time of possession: Minnesota 7th (31:29) v. Steelers 4th (33:52)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Minnesota 1st (65.2%) v. Steelers 2nd (65.0%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Minnesota 2nd (33.3%) v. Steelers 24th (58.3%)

Sacks allowed: Minnesota 21st (14) v. Steelers 24th (16)

Some Individual Numbers
NFC passer rating: Brett Favre, 2nd (109.5) v. AFC passer rating Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd (104.5)

NFC leading rushers: Adrian Peterson, 1st (624 yards) v. AFC leading rushers: Rashard Mendenhall, 8th (349 yards)

NFC leading receivers: Sidney Rice, 16th (23 catches, 409 yards, 17.78 per catch, 2 touchdowns) v. AFC leading receivers: Hines Ward, 1st (41 catches, 599 yards, 14.61 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns)

NFC sack Leaders: Jared Allen, 1st (7.5) v. AFC sack leaders: James Harrison, 2nd (6.0)

NFC interception Leaders: Chad Greenway (OLB) & Cedric Griffin (CB), 4th (tie) 2 each, 0 touchdowns v. Troy Polamalu, 2nd (tie) 2, 0 touchdowns

Simulation predicts close game

2009-10-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

The folks at Whatifsports ran 10,000 simulations of this week's Vikings versus Steelers contest and predicts that the Vikings will win, probably in a squeaker.

How close? The average score was Minnesota 23.8-Steelers 23.4.

The web page for this simulated game includes a whole host of simulated statistics ~ very interesting stuff!

Cleveland v. Steelers: The Numbers Never Lie

2009-10-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

Each week (or nearly so) I bring you a statistical comparison of the Steelers and their opponent. Now I've decided to give you a look at the actual numbers. What follows is in the same format of the weekly statistics, only now you'll see the actual numbers. Where applicable the season average(s) is included in parentheses.

For this week the only question is why was the game so close?

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Total yards: Cleveland offense actual, 197 (248.4) v. Steelers defense average 290.8

Net rushing yards: Cleveland offense actual, 91 (106.2) v. Steelers defense average, 71.2

Net passing yards: Cleveland offense actual, 106 (142.2) v. Steelers defense average, 219.6

Total points: Cleveland offense actual, 14 (11.0) v. Steelers defense average, 19.6

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Total yards: Steelers offense actual, 543 (375.8) v. Cleveland defense average, 380.2

Net rushing yards: Steelers offense actual, 140 (100.4) v. Cleveland defense average, 170.4

Net passing yards: Steelers offense actual, 403 (275.4) v. Cleveland defense average, 209.8

Total points: Steelers offense actual, 27 (22.6) v. Cleveland defense average, 24.2

Special Teams
Punt return yardage: Cleveland 1 return, 26 yards (16.3) v. Steelers 1 return, 1 yard (6.8)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 19th (8.3) v. Steelers 6th (6.0)

Kick return yardage: Cleveland 5 returns, 153 yards, 30.6 yards per kick (23.4) v. Steelers 2 returns, 55 yards, 27.5 yards per kick (23.7)

Season average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 16th (22.8) v. Steelers 10th (21.2)

Net yardage punting: Cleveland 38.8 yards (38.8) v. Steelers 22.5 yards (42.2)

Opponent net yardage punting season average: Cleveland 3rd (34.5) v. Steelers 24th (40.9)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential actual: Cleveland 0 (-5) v. Steelers 0 (-5)

Time of possession actual: Cleveland 23:14 (28:26) v. Steelers 36:46 (33:18)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency actual (touchdowns): Cleveland 50.0% (27.3%) v. Steelers 50.0% (68.8%)

Red Zone defense season average (touchdowns): Cleveland 13th (47.6%) v. Steelers 23rd (60.0%)

Sacks allowed actual: Cleveland 2 (2.8 average per game) v. Steelers 3 (2.6 average per game)

Some Individual Numbers
Passer rating actual: Derek Anderson, 51.0 (39.0) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 113.6 (102.6)

Leading rushers actual: Joshua Cribbs, 45 yards v. Rashard Mendenhall, 62 yards

Leading receiver actual: M. Massaquoi (5 catches, 83 yards, 16.6 yards per catch, 0 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 8 catches, 159 yards, 19.9 yards per catch, 1 touchdown

Sack Leaders actual: David Bowen & Brandon McDonald 1.0 each v. Lawrence Timmons, 2.0

Interception Leaders actual: Brodney Pool, 1 v. Troy Polamalu & Ryan Clark 1 each

Cleveland v. Steelers: The Weekly Matchup

2009-10-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Looking at the statistics it seems that the Browns have achieved their 1-4 record so far this season on merit. One number that screamed out ~ their leading receiver is a fullback; and while he is the Browns' only top 50 receiver (amongst AFC receivers) the Steelers have five.

Cleveland Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Cleveland offense 31st (248.4) v. Steelers defense 5th (290.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: Cleveland offense 16th (106.2) v. Steelers defense 3rd (71.2)

Average net passing yards per game: Cleveland offense 30th (142.2) v. Steelers defense 14th (219.6)

Average points per game: Cleveland offense 30th (11.0) v. Steelers defense 14th (19.6)

Steelers Offense v. Cleveland Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 7th (375.8) v. Cleveland defense 29th (380.2)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 21st (100.4) v. Cleveland defense 32nd (170.4)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 4th (275.4) v. Cleveland defense 10th (209.8)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 14th (22.6) v. Cleveland defense 23rd (24.2)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Cleveland 1st (16.3) v. Steelers 20th (6.8)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Cleveland 19th (8.3) v. Steelers 6th (6.0)

Average yards per kick return: Cleveland 13th (23.4) v. Steelers 6th (23.7)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Cleveland 16th (22.8) v. Steelers 10th (21.2)

Net yardage punting average: Cleveland 18th (38.8) v. Steelers 6th (42.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Cleveland 3rd (34.5) v. Steelers 24th (40.9)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Cleveland 29th (-5) v. Steelers 29th (-5)

Time of possession: Cleveland 25th (28:26) v. Steelers 4th (33:18)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Cleveland 31st (27.3%) v. Steelers 3rd (68.8%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Cleveland 13th (47.6%) v. Steelers 23rd (60.0%)

Sacks allowed: Cleveland 24th (14) v. Steelers 23rd (13)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Derek Anderson, 17th (39.0) v. Ben Roethlisberger, 2nd (102.6)

AFC Leading rushers: Jamal Lewis, 14th (212 yards) v. Rashard Mendenhall, 8th (287 yards)

AFC Leading receiver: Jerome Harrison, 48th (14 catches, 88 yards, 6.29 per catch, 0 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 2nd (33 catches, 440 yards, 13.33 yards per catch, 1 touchdown)

AFC Sack Leaders: Kamerion Wimbley, 6th (4.0) v. James Harrison, 4th (6.0)

AFC Interception Leaders: Brodney Pool, 22nd (1, 0 touchdowns) v. Troy Polamalu, 22nd (1, 0 touchdowns)

Aaron Smith's Impact

2009-10-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

The media and fans alike are now suddenly acknowledging just how important Aaron Smith has been to the success of the Steelers' defense in defending the run; and as simple, declarative statements are made as to the impact of his loss there is very little . . . oh, what do you call that . . . evidence . . . being offered up. So, in order to place Aaron Smith's value in some kind of context, we present the numbers.

As has been mentioned here before, the end of the 2007 season (the last time Mr. Smith missed significant time) saw the Steelers' defense transformed from the NFL's #1 unit to something very less fearsome. In the final six games of the 2007 season (five regular season games and one playoff game) the Pittsburgh defense surrendered 725 yards on 158 carries, for a 4.59 yards per carry average. By way of contrast in the preceding eleven games, all of which Mr. Smith played, the defense gave up 848 yards on 232 carries, for a 3.66 yards per carry average.

Of course 2008 saw Mr. Smith return to the lineup, and during last season the defense gave up an average of 4.0 yards, or more, per carry twice ~ 4.0 yards per carry versus the Redskins and 6.1 yards per carry versus New England.

Finally, so far this season the defense has surrendered an average of 4.0 yards, or more, per carry twice ~ against Cincinnati (19 carries, 100 yards, 5.3 yards per carry) and Detroit (110 yards, 25 carries, 4.4 yards per carry).

I do not expect much from the Browns ~ certainly they will try to run, and there is little doubt that they will run at whomever is on the field for Mr. Smith ~ but the real concern is October 25th when the Steelers host Adrian Peterson. Once can only hope that the committee of players replacing Aaron Smith is up to the task.

Here comes trouble

2009-10-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

Word out of Pittsburgh is that Aaron Smith will be missing from this weekend's game, and maybe a substantial number of games besides that. The Steelers have been down this road before ~ i.e. missing their All-Pro caliber defensive end ~ and the results were not pretty.

For a look back to the last time Aaron Smith missed substantial action, a look back that played out more like a nightmare, click here for one of the more illuminating statistical analyses ever completed by Pittsburgh Steelers Fanatic.

Was there ever any doubt?

2009-10-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh is the number one sports city in America.

No kidding.

The Sporting News made it official, and you can read all about it right here

You can also read about what it is to be a displaced 'Burgher here here.

Really?

2009-10-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

The nice folks at Sports Illustrated passed along this item from the new issue (on sale Tuesday):

Brett Favre I get (though his performance on Monday night was pretty impressive), but Ben Roethlisberger?

Really?

Steelers @ Detroit: The Weekly Matchup

2009-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

For all the grief that the Lions take for being a moribund franchise, their numbers so far this season are not so dissimilar from the Steelers'. Whether that is cause for hope for Lions fans or reason for a general panic in Pittsburgh remains to be seen.

One thing that jumps out is that if Stefan Logan does not have a big day on Sunday he may never have one.

Detroit Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: Detroit offense 18th (318.8) v. Steelers defense 6th (279.3)

Average net rushing yards per game: Detroit offense 19th (101.5) v. Steelers defense 3rd (61.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Detroit offense 16th (217.3) v. Steelers defense 16th (218.3)

Average points per game: Detroit offense 17th (20.75) v. Steelers defense 12th (19.5)

Steelers Offense v. Detroit Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 6th (383.8) v. Detroit defense 21st (355.7)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 17th (100.8) v. Detroit defense 19th (361.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 3rd (278.8) v. Detroit defense 25th (240.3)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 15th (21.25) v. Detroit defense 14th (33.5)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: Detroit 3rd (16.0) v. Steelers 21st (6.8)

Average yards allowed per punt return: Detroit 27th (11.8) v. Steelers 8th (6.4)

Average yards per kick return: Detroit 21st (22.0) v. Steelers 15th (23.1)

Average yards allowed per kick return: Detroit 31st (29.9) v. Steelers 8th (21.1)

Net yardage punting average: Detroit 28th (34.4) v. Steelers 7th (41.9)

Opponent net yardage punting average: Detroit 17th (38.7) v. Steelers 25th (40.8)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: Detroit 23rd (-3) v. Steelers 29th (-5)

Time of possession: Detroit 7th (31:48) v. Steelers 4th (34:46)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): Detroit 16th (53.8%) v. Steelers 7th (61.5%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): Detroit 25th (64.7%) v. Steelers 26th (66.7%)

Sacks allowed: Detroit 21st (10) v. Steelers 21st (10)

Some Individual Numbers
NFC passer rating: Matt Stafford, 15th(65.5) v. AFC passer rating Ben Roethlisberger, 3rd (98.1)

NFC leading rushers: Kevin Smith, 10th (234 yards) v. AFC leading rushers: Rashard Mendenhall, 11th (210 yards)

NFC leading receiver: Calvin Johnson, 7th (21 catches, 323 yards, 15.38 per catch, 1 touchdowns) v. Hines Ward, 4th (26 catches, 355 yards, 13.65 yards per catch, 0 touchdowns)

NFC Sack Leaders: Jason Hunter, 10th (2.0) v. James Harrison, 6th (3.0)

NFC Interception Leaders: Anthony Henry, 12th (1, 0 touchdown) v. Troy Polamalu, 8th (1, 0 touchdowns)

Concussions and their long-term affects

2009-09-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

The issue of player health and well-being has been an issue of great importance in the postings on this blog; and no issue captured my attention more than that of concussions and the impact of repeated concussions on the cognitive skills and memory of of players and former players.

No comes a report on a study conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research that contributes to a growing body of literature that points to significant long-term memory issues for those players who suffer repeated concussions.

The study is far from perfect ~ it involved a phone interview of former players ~ but several researchers, including a former team doctor of the Steelers, believe that (to put this into the football vernacular) moves the ball down the field. One researcher went so far as to say that "there appears to be a problem with cognition in a group of N.F.L. football players at a relatively young age."

For their part the National Football League continues to employ the Phillip Morris defense ~ i.e. nothing has been proven, plenty of former players are fine, more research needs to be done ~ but promises it is taking the matter seriously.

Food for Thought

2009-09-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have had the Pittsburgh Steelers' official desk calendar every year of the past three years. Generally speaking I'd be hard pressed to recommend them, but Monday morning's little tidbit of information seems particularly relevant:

"After two consecutive Super Bowl wins, the 1976 Steelers began the season slowly, dropping four of their first five games. But they allowed a paltry 28 points over the next nine games - all of them victories - to win the division for the third year in a row."

Hope springs anew.

Let's hope it does not rain

2009-09-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

ESPN Chicago is reporting that the Bears are in the process of re-sodding Soldier Field. Bears' running back Matt Forte is concerned enough that he discussed the situation on radio station ESPN 1000.

Fans of the Steelers have their own special memories of how re-sodding projects can go horribly wrong. On Monday, November 24, 2007 the Steelers hosted the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field. A driving rainstorm left the recently re-sodded surface a quagmire ~ who can forget the kicked ball sticking into the ground nose first? ~ with the Steelers winning 3-0 on a late field goal by Jeff Reed.

Current weather forecasts predict sunny weather for the Chicagoland area throughout the weekend, with rain moving in Monday evening. Let's hope the rain holds off at least that long.

Why does the NFL hate America?

2009-09-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

A recent posting at Consumerist.com about the relatively large number of games expected to be blacked out in local markets this season got me to wondering just why the NFL is so inflexible in its approach to permitting fans of the NFL, who happen live in this country, to watch the games live.

In that Consumerist posting NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expresses empathy for all the fans who, as a result of the economic downturn, are no longer able to purchase game tickets. For those fans who are unable to see their team play in person, and whose games are blacked out, the NFL will allow them to watch the game tape delayed, online.

It can be argued that something is better than nothing ~ this does represent something of a step in the right direction; however in Canada the Sunday Ticket package, which is only available via DirecTV in the United States, is available through cable operators. Moreover, in Europe NFL games stream live on the internet.

In an effort to cultivate fans in far-flung parts of the globe it seems that the NFL is, once again, giving short-shrift to those who made the league the financial and entertainment juggernaut that it is.

One more thing before I go: Are the owners coming unhinged?

2009-09-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

With a potential of a work stoppage looming off in the distance (something that too many of the NFL's media partners have ignored) it was interesting to read about comments from Jerry Jones concerning revenue sharing, and Roger Goodell's response.

There has been a simmering tension between the old school owners (e.g. the Rooney family, the Mara family, et al) and the new school owners (e.g. Jerry Jones, Dan Snyder, et al) ~ many of whom leveraged their respective finances to the hilt in order to obtain their respective franchise.

The ability of team's to compete in a real way (i.e. get to a Super Bowl), and not the sham competition that we see in major league baseball, is a direct result of the revenue sharing that was implemented decades ago under then NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.

Jerry Jones has long chafed under the revenue sharing arrangement, and opted out of the NFL Properties revenue sharing plan years ago (after paying a fee to the league to do so). Additionally, Sports Illustrated reported nearly ten years ago of Jones' desire that teams retain all internet revenues for themselves while Patriots' owner Bob Kraft advocated a sharing of those revenues as well.

All of this is significant as it relates to the collective bargaining situation with the players. If the owners are divided amongst themselves it is not difficult to imagine a scenario in which the players can exploit that to their benefit.

Bringing Down the Curtain

2009-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

This blog (actually, it was originally "Steelers Fanatic") was created as an outlet for a passion about the greatest team in the National Football League. Along the way writing became a passion all its own, and for a few years the blog was tended to faithfully.

However, as you have no doubt noticed, the posts have become fewer and fewer and as a result it seems that it is now time to admit that despite a continued passion for the football the blogging does not hold the same allure it once did.

As a result the active phase for this blog is now at an end. There may be an occasional posting now and again, and the schedule and results will be maintained, but that is about all that will happen.

Thanks for reading and go Steelers!!

"Let's Roll"

2009-09-10T12:16:00.001-07:00

September 11th is no longer just another day, and the connection between Western Pennsylvania and the events of 9/11 presents itself even at Heinz Field. This is a hospitality tent just outside gate A.

Dahntahn

2009-09-10T11:36:00.001-07:00

After lots of sun earlier in the day the skies are now overcast and the breeze is picking up. If you look to the right of the image you can see the stage doe tonight's concert.

The place for shopping in the 'Burgh

2009-09-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

No trip to Pittsburgh, especially those for Steelers' games, is complete without a visit to Honus Wagner Co. On Forbes Avenue.

Preseason, Halfway Home: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

2009-08-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Some will write about every game ~ including preseason. If the years have taught me anything it is that an individual player (or team) can look like a world-beater one game and a bum the very next.

Those of you who watched the Steelers in Landover, Maryland know what I mean.

But two games can give us some notion as to where some players are at in their preparation for the season, and here are some thoughts along those lines.

The Good

Stefan Logan: After doing nothing in the game against Arizona, "The Joystick" came to play versus the Redskins ~ a twelve yard return average on punts and a 39.3 yard return average on kicks ~ and his presence energized the kick/punt return units more than any player since Louis Lipps. Given the emphasis that special teams receive in the preseason Mr. Logan's performance may well be the best of any Steeler thus far.

Doug Legursky: After a year on the Pittsburgh practice squad last season Mr. Legursky is making a strong push for a spot on the 53-man roster in 2009. His ability to step in for Justin Hartwig in week one, along with his strong performance against the Arizona starters, and then the versatility to start at left guard in week two, move to center shortly thereafter, and more than hold his own against Albert Haynesworth (zero tackles in Saturday evening's game) must have Larry Zierlein and Mike Tomlin feeling very good.

A.Q. Shipley: He has stepped in, playing significant minutes in both games, and performed quite capably. Whether or not he will remain on the 53-man roster remains to be seen but Mr. Shipley has only helped his chances with solid plan.

Honorable Mention: Bruce Davis for solid special teams play

The Bad

Dennis Dixon: Nobody was more pleased about the Steelers' decision to choose Mr. Dixon in the 2008 NFL Draft ~ he was a dynamic college quarterback who, despite a devastating knee injury, exhibited Micheal Vick athleticism without all the baggage. But after two weeks (a combined 18/35/180/0 TD/0 INT/66.369 QB Rating) it seems that the challenge of being the third string quarterback (i.e. not playing) is simply more than he can overcome. The lack of touch on his passes is very disappointing to see, and he still seems less than comfortable passing from the pocket. Making the decision to keep or cut Mr. Dixon is made even more difficult because, thanks to his presence on the Steelers' roster for the 2008 season), he is ineligible for the Steelers' practice squad this season.

Limas Sweed: He has made some very nice catches and played pretty well versus Arizona, but he continues to perform inconsistently ~ dropping a third down pass versus the Redskins (on Pittsburgh's opening offensive series) that would have been good enough for a first down. He seems to make the tough catches in traffic but struggle with the easier catches. He has great potential but his concentration needs to improve (think AFC Championship game versus Baltimore ~ I know I do).

Joe Burnett: In week one he was given an opportunity to show what he could do as a kick/punt returner, and what he did was call fair catches. Then against the Redskins, after Stefan Logan had impressed all evening, he was given another opportunity and promptly fumbled. He has one more game to provide the coaching staff with some reason or another to keep him around.

The Ugly

Max Starks & Tony Hills: Is it possible that the situation at left offensive tackle for the Steelers is deteriorating? Max Starks comes out of his stance as slowly as any starting left tackle in football ~ high school and college included ~ and Tony Hills has a nasty tendency to stand straight up out of his stance. Bruce Arians had better plan on keeping an extra blocker on the left side all season long, barring some kind of miracle.

Penalties: In the first two preseason games of 2008 the Steelers were called for a total of ten penalties; meanwhile in two games this season they have been penalized 20 times for 159 yards. Sixteen of those have come against the offense ~ the majority involving the offensive line (e.g. illegal formation, holding, false start). To put that into some kind of perspective nearly 30% of the Steelers' offensive output (i.e. 518 net yards) has been negated by penalties. Nothing like making an already tough job tougher.

Opening series defense: In the game versus Arizona, the first time the Steelers' defense was on the field the Arizona offense ran off 10 plays, for 42 yards, and possessed the ball for 4:47 (zero points). In the second game the Redskins offense had a drive of 15 plays (including a fake punt), 62 yards, and possessed the abll for 6:47 (scoring three points). In both games adjustments were made (though in the Arizona game the Cardinals' first three possessions consisted of drives of 10 plays, 10 plays, and 14 plays ~ none of which resulted in points) and defensive play improved. However, it would be great to see the defense begin with a three-and-out in a few games ~ just to make me feel better.

For all the positive and negative developments this is still the preseason so there is no need for panic. But after two games it is pretty clear that there is a great deal of work still do; and with less than ten days before first cuts are made and three weeks before the regular season begins time is definitely short.

Back for Another Season

2009-08-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Unlike luminaries such as Peter King, Ed Bouchette, and whoever it is that is writing at Pro Football Talk, I am unable to create interesting postings out of thin air ~ i.e. once the football season is over it is nearly impossible for me to do any writing that would be worth your time or mine. But with the first preseason game just hours away the creative juices are beginning to flow. Of course, I would not want to pull a muscle by going too hard too early, so here are a few thoughts on which Steelers players are under the microscope already:

Rashard Mendenhall : Ed Bouchette outlines the questions that the team and Mr. Mendenhall have to answer; and given the fact that the Steelers currently have no fewer than seven running backs on the roster it seems that they are hedging their bets. Another item that focuses on Mr. Mendenhall was in the Sporting News on Wednesday

Dennis Dixon : This is a physically gifted player who may be in search of a position. He threw a single pass during the 2008 regular season, and despite the fact the Byron Leftwich moved on to greener pastures the Steelers seemed nearly desperate to bring Charlie Batch back for another season. If Mr. Dixon does not impress in the first couple of games he may be looking for a new team before the regular season begins.

Lawrence Timmons : Having been in attendance at the AFC Divisional playoff game during which Mr. Timmons chased down Chargers' running back Darren Sproles ~ from behind ~ there is no doubt about the speed that Lawrence Timmons brings to the defense. However, it remains to be see whether or not his speed will be much of an asset in replacing Larry Foote at inside linebacker. Additionally, despite situational play, Mr. Timmons was fourth in sacks (5.0). So will he be stout enough inside for the Black & Gold defense to remain a league leader versus the run and who will replace him as the situational pass rusher?

Thursday evening's game begins the process of answering those questions; and, unless I'm wrong, at the same time many more questions are sure to emerge. Now that the players are back on the field I'll be at my post illuminating and informing on all the developments.

The Good News, and the Tragic News

2009-07-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

The offseason is a very long time, and our admiration knows no bounds for those bloggers who are creative enough to come up with semi-intelligent posts when there really is not much happening. Today there are a couple of things worthy of a mention.

The first, and potentially good, thing is that the Steelers' 2009 draft choices are getting some love from the "experts." Specifically, our friends at Pro Football Weekly are predicting good things for Ziggy Hood, Kraig Urbik, et al. Rookies who contribute? A very good thing indeed.

The tragic news of course is the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair. In our lifetimes he may well have been the toughest quarterback ~ both physically and in terms of trying to beat ~ the Steelers have ever faced. In seventeen career games against the Steelers (including playoffs) Mr. McNair had most impressive numbers: 283 completions on 442 passing attempts (a completion percentage of 64.03), 3,250 passing yards, 363 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns passes (16 interceptions), and 3 rushing touchdowns. His career quarterback rating against the Steelers was 88.339. By way of comparison, his career completion percentage against all opponents was 60.1%, and his quarterback rating was 82.761.

Steve McNair was a great athlete and, based upon the testimonials pouring in, he was an even better person.

Rating the Wide Receivers

2009-05-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

During this interminable lull in actual football we look for nearly anything to sink our teeth into; and the good folks at The Sporting News have helped out by coming up with a ranking of NFL wide outs.

Larry Fitzgerald at #1? No big surprise there, but what bothers us is that Hines Ward came in at #18 behind such luminaries Terrell Owens (#6), Braylon Edwards (#7), and Chad Johnson (#16). Potential and physical skills mean only so much in professional sports ~ production is what counts, and Hines Ward is a superior receiver (and team player) to any of those three.

The Rooney Family is #1

2009-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sure it has been awhile since we have posted anything; but really whose fault is that? After all, if the National Football League would just play year-round we would have no problem finding something to read about much less write about.

In any event, our good friends at Sports Illustrated have identified both best, and worst, owners in the four major professional sports. Naturally our attention is focused almost entirely on the National Football League; and we are happy to report that the Rooney Family, fresh off its sixth Super Bowl championship, came in a at #1.

Also of interest is the fact that three of the four teams in the AFC North are represented in the rankings, with Baltimore owner Steve Bisciotti coming at #5 amongst the best owners and Mike Brown, the Cincinnati owner, coming in at #4 amonst the worst.

Personnel News Dominates

2009-04-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

Naturally last weekend's draft dominated the news, and with so many media outlets covering what has become a circus we did not feel inclined to get into a "blow-by-blow" reportage of what we (and, probably, you) were seeing on the NFL Network/ESPN. However, with Tuesday's news that Larry Foote is soon to be an ex-Steeler (a rumor that was floating around during the week leading up to the Super Bowl) we decided to add our two cents to everything going on.

So far as Mr. Foote goes, like many of you we are a bit nervous about turning over the starting position to Lawrence Timmons. There is no doubt that Mr. Timmons showed flashes of brilliance during the 2008 season (and he may be the fastest player on the roster), but we just do not see him as an inside linebacker. If LaMarr Woodley had not performed at a Pro Bowl level last season we would wonder if there were not plans to move him inside and Mr. Timmons outside. Then again, how many times does Dick Lebeau have to dazzle us with his genius before we all just relax?

As for the draft . . .

We just want it noted for the record that we were one of the first "media outlets" to report on Frank Summers (a.k.a. "Little Bus") as a potential late round pick for the Steelers. The young man has an interesting story (not the least of which is his dyslexia), one that involved going to Cal, redshirting, being placed on academic probation, leaving Cal, being offered a scholarship to play at USC but choosing UNLV instead. The folks at Pro Football Weekly like his size and his hands, but rated him as someone to be signed after the draft because of his lack of burst and inconsistent blocking.

It speaks to how little we know about player evaluation that A.Q. Shipley lasted until the seventh round. We were impressed by his work at the Combine, he was well-regarded by NFL Network's resident expert Mike Mayock, and was described by Ourlad's Draft Service as a "[t]ough and intense player." Mr. Shipley has the fundamentals to be a serviceable offensive lineman in the NFL; and that fact makes this a terrific pick for the seventh round.

We should know better than to doubt Kevin Colbert and the scouts of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but we are very dubious about the choice of Ra'Shon Harris in the sixth round. He certainly has good size ~ 6'3", 312 pounds ~ but Ourlad's rated him near the bottom of available defensive tackles (a score of 3.49, which in their system is indicative of a player who has some potential but is also borderline). Additionally, Pro Football Weekly in their very critical analysis indicated that Mr. Harris has "[q]uestionanle work habits."

Conversely, we like the choice of Keenan Lewis in the third round. On the field, Ourlad's describes him as a "[g]ood man to man cover corner with long arms . . . Can . . . drive quickly on the ball in the air." Pro Football Weekly sees him as a below average tackler who lacks toughness (ouch!). Off the field Mr. Lewis and his family have a pretty compelling story, having been displaced from the home in New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina.

The Steelers have their minicamp next weekend, and then "organized team activities" (OTA) May 19-21, May 26-28, June 2-4, and June 9-11. With so much activity on the horizon we believe that there will be more personnel moves in the offing.

Getting Draft Ready: Who is best?

2009-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lost in most mock drafts is just how good any one player is irrespective of their respective positions ~ i.e. is Alex Mack/Max Unger/Ebeb Britton the thirty-second best player available or just the player that best fits the Steelers' needs, or both?

A nice resource that came our way today is the Super 99 Ranking from the Sporting News. The rankings, which include 40-yard dash times, performance in the bench press, and other Combine-ish metrics; have USC quarterback Mark Sanchez as the best player available ~ and Matthew Stafford at #9.

As for players mentioned as being of interest to Pittsburgh, the highest rated player known to be on the Steelers' draft board is Alex Mack (Center, California) who comes in at #18, which would make him quite a value if available at the end of the first round. D.J. Moore, the cornerback out of Vanderbilt is #27; Ebben Britton, tackle from Arizona is #61; and Max Unger, center from Oregon, is #65.